Freshman Summer Vocabulary List

abhor

To regard with disgust or hatred.

Synonyms: Detest, loathe

Antonyms: Love, admire

abridge

To shorten without losing essential meaning.

Synonyms-Shorten, condense

Antonyms: Expand, lengthen

abscond

To leave hurriedly, often to avoid detection.

Synonyms: flee, escape, vanish

Antonyms: remain, stay, appear

accessory

A person who assists in a crime.

Synonyms: supplement, attachment, accomplice

Antonyms: necessity, principal, essential

adherent

Someone who supports a particular party or set of ideas.

Synonyms: follower, supporter, disciple

Antonyms: opponent, critic, adversary

adjourn

To suspend a meeting to a later time.

Synonyms: postpone, suspend, delay

Antonyms: continue, advance, expedite

admonish

To warn or reprimand someone firmly.

Synonyms: warn, scold, reprimand

Antonyms: praise, encourage, approve

adroit

Skillful and adept under pressure.

Synonyms: skillful, clever, adept

Antonyms: clumsy, awkward, unskilled

alacrity

Eagerness and cheerful readiness to act.

Synonyms: eagerness, willingness, promptness

Antonyms: reluctance, hesitation, unwillingness

alien

Belonging to a foreign country or nation.

Synonyms: foreign, unfamiliar, outsider

Antonyms: native, local, familiar

allusion

An indirect reference to something.

Synonyms: reference, hint, mention

Antonyms: statement, declaration, reality

altercation

A noisy argument or disagreement.

Synonyms: remorseful, repentant, apologetic

Antonyms: unrepentant, shameless, indifferent

altruistic

Showing selfless concern for others' well-being.

Synonyms: selfless, charitable, generous, compassionate

Antonyms: selfish, greedy, self-centered, egotistical

ambiguous

Open to more than one interpretation.

Synonyms: unclear, vague, uncertain, indefinite

Antonyms: clear, definite, obvious, explicit

ban

To officially or legally prohibit something.

Synonyms: forbid, prohibit, outlaw, bar

Antonyms: allow, permit, approve, authorize

berate

To scold or criticize someone angrily.

Synonyms: scold, rebuke, reprimand, criticize

Antonyms: praise, compliment, commend, applaud

biased

Unfairly prejudiced for or against something.

Synonyms: prejudiced, partial, unfair, one-sided

Antonyms: impartial, fair, neutral, objective

brazen

Bold and without shame.

Synonyms: bold, shameless, impudent, audacious

Antonyms: modest, shy, timid, humble

cacophonous

Involving a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

Synonyms: noisy, jarring, discordant, harsh

Antonyms: harmonious, melodic, musical, pleasant

candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

Synonyms: honest, frank, open, sincere

Antonyms: deceitful, dishonest, guarded, insincere

catalyst

An agent that provokes or speeds significant change.

Synonyms: stimulus, spark, trigger, instigator

Antonyms: hindrance, deterrent, obstacle, block

chide

To scold or rebuke someone mildly.

Synonyms: scold, reprimand, rebuke, reproach

Antonyms: praise, applaud, encourage, compliment

clemency

Mercy or leniency shown towards an offender.

Synonyms: mercy, leniency, compassion, forgiveness

Antonyms: cruelty, harshness, severity, ruthlessness

coerce

To persuade someone to do something by force.

Synonyms: force, compel, pressure, intimidate

Antonyms: persuade, convince, encourage, allow

console

To comfort someone in grief or distress.

Synonyms: comfort, soothe, reassure, support

Antonyms: distress, upset, sadden, agitate

contrite

Feeling remorse or penitence for wrongdoing.

Synonyms: remorseful, apologetic, repentant, sorry

Antonyms: unrepentant, indifferent, shameless, remorseless

conundrum

A confusing and difficult problem or question.

Synonyms: puzzle, riddle, mystery, dilemma

Antonyms: solution, answer, clarity, resolution

conventional

Based on or in accordance with what is generally done.

Synonyms: traditional, ordinary, usual, standard

Antonyms: unconventional, unique, unusual, innovative

credible

Believable and trustworthy.

Synonyms: believable, trustworthy, reliable, plausible

Antonyms: unbelievable, doubtful, unreliable, implausible

cubicle

A small, enclosed workspace.

Synonyms: compartment, booth, stall, enclosure

Antonyms: open space, hall, auditorium, field

demure

Reserved, modest, and shy.

Synonyms: modest, reserved, shy, meek

Antonyms: bold, outgoing, brazen, shameless

deplete

To use up resources or supplies.

Synonyms: exhaust, drain, consume, use up

Antonyms: replenish, restore, refill, renew

What is depreciation?

Reduction in the value of an asset over time.

Synonyms: devaluation, decline, reduction, decrease

Antonyms: appreciation, increase, rise, growth

despicable

Deserving hatred and contempt.

Synonyms: vile, hateful, contemptible, loathsome

Antonyms: admirable, praiseworthy, honorable, noble

despot

A ruler with absolute power, often oppressive.

Synonyms: tyrant, dictator, oppressor, autocrat

Antonyms: democrat, liberator, humanitarian, benefactor

deteriorate

To become progressively worse.

Synonyms: decline, worsen, decay, degenerate

Antonyms: improve, strengthen, progress, enhance

diatribe

A forceful and bitter verbal attack.

Synonyms: rant, tirade, criticism, denunciation

Antonyms: praise, compliment, approval, commendation

diffident

Modest or shy due to lack of self-confidence.

Synonyms: shy, timid, insecure, bashful

Antonyms: confident, bold, assertive, self-assured

diminutive

Extremely or unusually small.

Synonyms: tiny, small, little, petite

Antonyms: huge, enormous, massive, gigantic

divulge

To make known private or sensitive information.

Synonyms: reveal, disclose, expose, share

Antonyms: conceal, hide, suppress, cover

dolt

A slow or stupid person.

Synonyms: fool, idiot, simpleton, dunce

Antonyms: genius, intellect, scholar, thinker

duplicity

Deceitfulness; double-dealing.

Synonyms: deceit, fraud, trickery, dishonesty

Antonyms: honesty, integrity, sincerity, truthfulness

elicit

To draw out a response or reaction.

Synonyms: draw out, evoke, extract, provoke

Antonyms: suppress, hide, withhold, cover

embroil

To involve someone deeply in a conflict.

Synonyms: entangle, involve, ensnare, drag in

Antonyms: disentangle, free, release, exclude

enlightened

Having or showing a rational, modern outlook.

Synonyms: informed, wise, knowledgeable, aware

Antonyms: ignorant, unaware, narrow-minded, misinformed

euphony

Pleasant, harmonious sound.

Synonyms: harmony, melody, sweetness, pleasantness

Antonyms: cacophony, discord, harshness, noise

fallow

Land left unplanted to restore fertility.

Synonyms: inactive, unused, dormant, idle

Antonyms: active, fertile, productive, cultivated

feign

pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).

Synonyms: pretend, fake, simulate, act

Antonyms: reveal, show, expose, display

fodder

Food for livestock; raw material.

Synonyms: feed, material, fuel, provision

Antonyms: luxury, choice, delicacy, treat

fortify

To strengthen or secure.

Synonyms: strengthen, reinforce, secure, support

Antonyms: weaken, undermine, impair, debilitate

garrulous

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

Synonyms: talkative, chatty, loquacious, verbose

Antonyms: quiet, silent, reserved, taciturn

ghastly

Causing great horror or fear.

Synonyms: horrible, frightful, dreadful, gruesome

Antonyms: pleasant, delightful, charming, attractive

hamper

To hinder or impede the movement or progress.

Synonyms: hinder, obstruct, impede, block

Antonyms: assist, help, facilitate, aid

humane

Having compassion for humans and animals.

Synonyms: compassionate, kind, merciful, charitable

Antonyms: cruel, harsh, ruthless, inhumane

impediment

An obstacle that hinders progress.

Synonyms: obstacle, barrier, hindrance, obstruction

Antonyms: aid, assistance, support, help

impertinent

Rude and disrespectful.

Synonyms: rude, disrespectful, insolent, impolite

Antonyms: polite, respectful, courteous, mannerly

impoverished

Reduced to poverty; poor.

Synonyms: poor, destitute, needy, penniless

Antonyms: wealthy, rich, prosperous, affluent

incessant

Continuing without pause or interruption.

Synonyms: constant, nonstop, ceaseless, continuous

Antonyms: occasional, rare, intermittent, sporadic

indigenous

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.

Synonyms: native, local, aboriginal, original

Antonyms: foreign, alien, imported, nonnative

indolent

Wanting to avoid activity; lazy.

Synonyms: lazy, idle, sluggish, lethargic

Antonyms: active, diligent, industrious, energetic

interim

Temporary; provisional.

Synonyms: temporary, provisional, short-term, stopgap

Antonyms: permanent, lasting, enduring, fixed

intricate

Very detailed and complicated.

Synonyms: complicated, complex, elaborate, detailed

Antonyms: simple, easy, plain, straightforward

languid

Weak or faint from illness or fatigue.

Synonyms: weak, sluggish, listless, weary

Antonyms: energetic, lively, vigorous, active

loquacious

Tending to talk a great deal.

Synonyms: talkative, chatty, garrulous, wordy

Antonyms: quiet, taciturn, silent, reserved

maltreat

To treat a person or animal cruelly.

Synonyms: abuse, mistreat, harm, victimize

Antonyms: cherish, protect, respect, care for

mire

To involve someone in a difficult situation.

Synonyms: bog, swamp, mess, entangle

Antonyms: dry land, order, progress, clarity

mirthful

Full of mirth; merry.

Synonyms: joyful, cheerful, merry, jolly

Antonyms: sad, gloomy, sorrowful, unhappy

mundane

Lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Synonyms: ordinary, dull, routine, commonplace

Antonyms: extraordinary, unusual, exciting, remarkable

nefarious

Wicked or criminal.

Synonyms: wicked, evil, villainous, immoral

Antonyms: noble, virtuous, righteous, honorable

pauper

A very poor person.

Synonyms: beggar, poor person, destitute, indigent

Antonyms: millionaire, wealthy, rich, affluent

pathos

A quality that evokes pity or sadness.

Synonyms: emotion, pity, sadness, compassion

Antonyms: apathy, indifference, numbness, stoicism

penitent

Feeling or showing sorrow for wrongdoing.

Synonyms: remorseful, contrite, sorry, repentant

Antonyms: unrepentant, shameless, indifferent, remorseless

perennial

Lasting or existing for a long time.

Synonyms: lasting, enduring, perpetual, constant

Antonyms: temporary, short-lived, fleeting, momentary

perfidious

Deceitful and untrustworthy.

Synonyms: treacherous, deceitful, disloyal, untrustworthy

Antonyms: loyal, faithful, trustworthy, reliable

predispose

To make someone liable or inclined to a specified attitude.

Synonyms: incline, influence, prompt, lead

Antonyms: discourage, prevent, dissuade, deter

proliferate

To increase rapidly in numbers.

Synonyms: multiply, increase, spread, expand

Antonyms: decrease, diminish, lessen, shrink

rancid

Having a strong, unpleasant smell or taste.

Synonyms: rotten, spoiled, foul, sour

Antonyms: fresh, pure, clean, wholesome

raucous

Making a disturbingly harsh or loud noise.

Synonyms: harsh, loud, boisterous, noisy

Antonyms: soft, quiet, gentle, soothing

rectify

To correct or make right.

Synonyms: correct, amend, fix, remedy

Antonyms: worsen, damage, impair, spoil

rift

A serious break in friendly relations.

Synonyms: break, split, crack, division

Antonyms: union, harmony, agreement, connection

sagacious

Having or showing keen mental discernment.

Synonyms: wise, shrewd, clever, insightful

Antonyms: foolish, ignorant, unwise, silly

sedentary

Tending to spend much time seated.

Synonyms: inactive, motionless, stationary, idle

Antonyms: active, mobile, energetic, dynamic

servitude

The state of being a slave or completely subject.

Synonyms: slavery, bondage, subjugation, captivity

Antonyms: freedom, liberty, independence, autonomy

slapdash

Done too hurriedly and carelessly.

Synonyms: careless, hasty, sloppy, reckless

Antonyms: careful, meticulous, thorough, precise

slothful

Lazy; inactive.

Synonyms: lazy, sluggish, idle, indolent

Antonyms: hardworking, diligent, energetic, industrious

stagnant

(adj.) not running or flowing; foul from standing still; inactive, sluggish, dull

Synonyms: still, inactive, lifeless, motionless

Antonyms: flowing, active, moving, dynamic

succinct

brief, concise

Synonyms: brief, concise, terse, to the point

Antonyms: wordy, verbose, lengthy, rambling

succumb

To fail to resist pressure or temptation.

Synonyms: yield, surrender, give in, submit

Antonyms: resist, withstand, endure, overcome

taunt

To provoke or challenge someone with insulting remarks.

Synonyms: mock, jeer, ridicule, tease

Antonyms: praise, compliment, encourage, applaud

tenacious

Holding fast; persistent.

Synonyms: persistent, determined, stubborn, resolute

Antonyms: weak, yielding, irresolute, surrendering

thesis

A statement or theory put forward as a premise.

Synonyms: argument, claim, proposition, assertion

Antonyms: fact, certainty, truth, evidence

tremulous

Characterized by trembling or shaking.

Synonyms: shaky, trembling, unsteady, quivering

Antonyms: steady, firm, confident, stable

urbane

Suave, courteous, and refined in manner.

Synonyms: suave, sophisticated, polished, refined

Antonyms: crude, unrefined, unsophisticated, awkward

vagrant

A person without a settled home.

Synonyms: drifter, wanderer, nomad, vagabond

Antonyms: resident, settler, homeowner, inhabitant

vile

Extremely unpleasant; morally bad.

Synonyms: disgusting, foul, nasty, repulsive

Antonyms: pleasant, delightful, noble, admirable

vulnerable

Open to physical or emotional harm.

Synonyms: weak, defenseless, exposed, unprotected

Antonyms: strong, secure, protected, resilient

warp

To twist or bend out of shape.

Synonyms: bend, twist, distort, deform

Antonyms: straighten, align, flatten, smooth

wily

Skilled at gaining an advantage; crafty.

Synonyms: sly, cunning, crafty, shrewd

Antonyms: naive, innocent, honest, straightforward

winsome

Attractive or appealing in appearance.

Synonyms: charming, attractive, appealing, delightful

Antonyms: unattractive, repulsive, unpleasant, off-putting

zenith

The highest point reached by a celestial or other object.

Synonyms: peak, summit, pinnacle, climax

Antonyms: nadir, bottom, base, low point